COZY COPING…

Whenever I’m feeling buried and chaotic about work, I seem to have several coping mechanisms – the best one being cleaning. Yep, cleaning. If my apartment is a mess, so is my brain. So after a very long week, I’m taking some time for my personal life today and clearing out the house in preparation for the Christmas decor explosion that’s about to happen! I’ll be working on a photo shoot Monday which is my excuse for bringing my tree out early. (See how that happens – what’s supposed to be relaxing and all about me, is still really all about work!)

Ok, so back to that breathing part… I will take time to enjoy the clean apartment and cozy in at least one night with some hot cocoa and a holiday movie to get in the spirit while I plan for my Thanksgiving tabletop and start making Christmas lists. Because those are the parts of this season that I really love!

How do you cope with all the madness of the holiday season? Do you take time to treat yourself while dashing between parties and shopping? Or do you enjoy getting caught up in the spirit of the season? I feel like it’s all about finding that ever-elusive balance we’re always talking about. I’m hoping that this year I get to really soak in the warm fuzzy parts of it and stay away from the last-minute crazy!

I am unpacking, moving from where I lived for 24 years. So, getting the lighting up, and finding my special snow owl ornament for Christmas were major. Now I am putting the paintings on the floor approximately where they will go up. So more walking floor space is opening up. And, I am cleaning and packing Christmas Gifts from things I have that the nieces and nephews will enjoy, children’s books, games new to them, and art supplies I have duplicates or too much of. They love getting real stuff, and a few antique post cards. All my cast iron went to a local boy scout troop, as I can no longer handle it, and they were joyous as they will be doing overnighters this year. I remember when they were Weebelows. Now, I don’t know what you call them. Full Scouts? I buy room scent for Christmas that is French, a different combination than the English, Southern U.S. And I start wrapping the art supplies with carry-all options. Always give them an option. And, the princesses want scarves and ribbons. The little sports want sport paraphanalia and sport stories. They get what they don’t even know to dream of, as mine are all vintage books. Each year I send new book plates for them to choose from. I am testing the light in the windows to see what grows where and how much cover it needs. And everyone gets two sample bottles of Monin Natural syrups. My choices for this year are Salted Caramel, and Candied Orange. It’s the postage that kills me.

About Cassandra LaValle

Cassandra LaValle is the founder and editor-in-chief of coco+kelley where she explores trends in fashion, decor and entertaining, highlighting pieces that exude classic design and glamour. As a designer, she consults clients across the globe on styling their homes and private events from her offices in Seattle.

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cassandra lavalle is the founder of coco+kelley where we curate and create fresh ideas for designing and styling your life. from interiors, parties and tabletops to travel, food and fashion - we approach it all with an urbane eye that captures the essence of effortless sophistication.